Gavalohori

Administratively, the village belongs to the municipality of Apokoronas. Gavalohori is located at an altitude of 80 meters, 28 kilometers from the city of Chania, in the south-east side.

Gavalohori is a bid and very old village, with an interesting folk architecture that is still kept intact. In this traditional village, there are many interesting buildings that are standing until today, such as an ancient arced olive oil factory consisting of two rooms (dating from the 18th century), the Greek Orthodox churches of Virgin Mary and St Sergius, the old school and several residences.

The Historical Folklore Museum of the village works as a consignment of tradition, of this precious cultural identity of the locals. In the museum, a variety of objects dating back to the old times is exposed. Among others, visitors can see objects of everyday life and the renowned handmade embroidery, created by a traditional technique, named as copaneli.

Given the fact that sericulture (or silk farming which means the rearing of silkworms for the production of silk) constituted the main occupation of the female population of Gavalohori for years, during a visit at the local Folklore Museum you will have the chance to see how the treatment process of silk (equally known with the terms degumming or scouring process of silk) was made.

The profession of stonemason (or pelican) was one of the most important and commonly known occupations of the local population, explaining why there are numerous creations at Gavalohori that constitute magnificent pieces of art.

At Gavalohori there are 24 old wells that used to work as the water distribution system of the entire village.